Winter Racing - What to wear?

gandhi

What will I need to wear to be warm enough while racing in the winter?

I get pretty cold on training rides, but I'm not really doing any hard efforts outside in the cold, so I have no idea how warm I'll be at race pace in winter. Any advice would be great.

phil s

Invest in a windproof fronted baselayer, as the cold wind will be your greatest enemy. I found that wearing a sleevelest wicking vest, a windproof baselayer like this
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=C0298
and my normal club kit with arm and leg warmers was more than enough. As far as gloves, I found the Descente coldout fleece glove to be the best - and I have crap circulation in my hands. It's not one of those ridiculously massive ski-type gloves yet it's very warm in all but the wettest, windiest condtions. Assos winter socks and windproof overshoes to round it all off. I raced most of last season's winter series and that was my staple kit, but always warm up well and wear an extra layer or a gilet when warming up, then peel it off at the last moment.

Kléber

Just because you are racing, it doesn't mean you need to wear the sorts of clothes you'd wear in the summer for racing. It always depends on the temperature but wear what you would use for training but maybe a layer less here or there. I'd suggest it's better to be warm and sweat a bit than to waste energy merely trying to keep your body temperature warm/

cougie

Its impossible to answer really - but bear in mind that its not going to be a training ride - so you will be hotter - but all depends on the weather and how you cope with the cold.

Monty Dog

Depends on the length of the race and the conditions. A pair of 3/4 roubaix bibtights, a long sleeve baselayer under a long sleeve top and maybe a gilet should suffice. Decent overshoes and gloves are key - cold extremeties make the cold and wet feel worse. If it is raining, a lightweight cape is a must.

16simon

i agree with phil, a baselayer with a windproof front is the most important thing. don't bother with a gillet unless you can get one with a mesh back so that your race number is visible. armwarmers, overshoes, gloves, a skullcap under the helmet if it's really cold, and bare legs plus hot balm or knee or leg warmers according to how hard you want to look.